Key Takeaways:
- The Northampton License Commission has temporarily restricted the entertainment license for Haze, a downtown bar, due to noise complaints and safety concerns.
- The restriction limits entertainment to Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, with specific start and end times.
- The commission will reopen the hearing on February 4 to determine if corrective actions, such as sound proofing and installation of an exit sign, have been taken.
- The restriction may impact the business’s ability to afford sound paneling and could affect its overall revenue.
- Residents have expressed concerns about noise and safety issues, including violent threats and physical assault.
Introduction to the Issue
The Northampton License Commission has taken steps to address noise complaints and safety concerns at Haze, a downtown bar that regularly features live music and DJs. At its January 7 meeting, the commission voted to limit the entertainment license for Haze, restricting the days and hours when entertainment is allowed. This decision aims to balance the needs of the business with the concerns of nearby residents.
The Commission’s Decision
The commission’s decision restricts entertainment at Haze to Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, with specific start and end times. On Tuesdays, entertainment is allowed from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., while on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, it is allowed from 3 p.m. to midnight. No entertainment is permitted on Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays, although the business can still operate as a bar and serve drinks on those days. The restriction will be in effect until February 4, when the commission will reopen the hearing to determine if corrective actions have been taken.
Impact on the Business
Anja Wood, the owner of Haze, has expressed concerns that the 30-day limit on the entertainment license will significantly impact her business. She noted that customers primarily come to Haze for the entertainment, and without it, the business may struggle to attract customers. Wood also mentioned that the restriction may affect her ability to afford sound paneling, which is necessary to mitigate noise complaints. Commission Chairwoman Natasha Yakovlev acknowledged the potential impact on the business but emphasized the need to address the concerns of nearby residents.
Resident Concerns
Residents who live in the building have expressed concerns about noise and safety issues at Haze. Eric Bennett, who has lived in the building since 2009, stated that the thick walls and tall ceilings do not mitigate the sound, and that the venue may not be suitable for rock performances without sound proofing. He also mentioned that he can feel the vibrations from the music in his apartment. Maria Grove, another resident, expressed concerns about safety at Haze, citing instances of violent threats and physical assault. She suggested that the business should be more regulated, with set days and hours for entertainment.
Business Operations
Haze typically features live bands, including Grateful Dead tribute bands, on Tuesdays, with karaoke on Wednesdays and DJs on Fridays and Saturdays. Wood plans to introduce open mic nights on Sundays and move live music to Thursdays. The business is allowed to operate until 2 a.m. on Thursdays through Sundays but has been closing at 1 a.m. in recent weeks. Wood has taken steps to mitigate noise complaints, including using sound paneling and stopping the use of subwoofers. She also has a sound decibel reader to ensure that music levels are within a safe and reasonable limit.
Safety Concerns
Wood acknowledged that a safety concern centered on violent threats and physical assault was caused by a former employee’s partner, who was not a staff member. She emphasized that the incident occurred after the business had closed for the night and was not related to the entertainment itself. Building Commissioner Kevin Ross cautioned that sound deadening materials must be used carefully, as some materials may not be suitable for the historic building. Yakovlev emphasized that the business needs to ensure that sound is mitigated and that if a band is too loud for the space, it may not be suitable for the venue.
